In an epic contest, Stags drew a match that, by common consent, they deserved to win, yet would have lost but for a missed penalty by Forest in the final minute.
Stags will perhaps be disappointed that they failed to close out the game after leading 21-10 with just a quarter of the match remaining, but nonetheless this was a stirring effort that should put them in good heart for the remaining three league games.
Stags made changes up front, picking Benny Giglio Tony Hull and Tim Furbank and the pack were in charge from the outset in all phases. Devon Brown went over for his sixth try of the season and when Damien Whales kicked a penalty it looked good for Stags. Forest came back, though, with a converted try and a penalty and it looked as if Stags would be behind at the break. Bit just on 40 minutes the ball was won on half way and good interpassing with Hull, immense throughout, involved three times, gave Tom Beattie the chance to score in the corner. Afirst rate try demonstrating the fundamental rugby virtues of swift ball transfer and good backing up. 13-10 to Stags at the break.
Though they had won plenty of ball, too much of it had been subsequently lost in contact and Stags needed to put this right being up the slope, though with the wind, in the second period. Accurate kicking by Whales penned the home side back, their number 8 was sin binned and Whales kicked the resultant penalty. Even better was to follow as a Forest pass was intercepted enabling Ben Strangeways to take the scoring pass.
Stags were now destroying Forest in the tight. Twice Furbank was almost through on the blind side following set pieces and twice the whistle intervened. Then to the bemusement of most [especially the home players] Forest were awarded a penalty try; 21-17 to Stags but a seven point margin was soon restored as Whales slotted over his third penalty. Fate, never far away, now took a hand; a loose bouncing ball was gathered by the Forest centre via his knee, shin and, possibly, hand and it was 24 each with barely five minutes to go. In the final play it looked curtains for Stags as Forest had a penalty bang in front of the posts. The Forest kicker, who had struck a sweet conversion just a few minutes earlier, was too hasty this time and screwed it wide. At the whistle Stags didn't know whether to laugh with relief at the point won or cry with despair at the point that got away.
There is no league game this Saturday [March 24] but an ‘A’ XV are at home to Mill Hill in a friendly and Stags also host the Old Boot vets tournament against St Ives and St Neots.
The next league match, preceded by a supporters lunch is on 31 March against Stewarts and Lloyds and Stags will be looking for a repeat of the spirit and determination shown at Forest.
